Tag: mentors

Like almost every college first-year, I changed my career path. I initially decided to study economics and English, then go to law school. All my work in high school had been centered about going to law school, …

Let's start by taking a little timehop back to our grandmothers' generation. Think about what life was like for them as women — especially when it comes to life in the business world. Once you've captured that image, I'd like you to fast-forward to the present, to your own lives. A bit different, right? Yes, over the last 100 or so years we've made leaps and bounds in terms of the disparity between the sexes in the workplace.

The best place for you to get your networking on might be the last place you'd imagine: at your current job. Whether you're just getting started at a new place or you've been there for years, the connections you make at work can benefit your career for years to come. With a strong network, you can reach your career goals faster, and maybe even go out on your own (if that's your thing). So what are you waiting for?

Having a mentor is one of the best things you can do for your career. All the education in the world can't fully prepare you for any profession. Getting in there and getting started can feel a little scary, no matter how much training you've had. And, you're bound to have a lot of questions. Having a mentor to go to for advice, wisdom, and sometimes even a little extra encouragement, can make a big difference. When looking for a mentor, there are a few common mistakes you should try to avoid. Steering clear of these should help you find someone who's the best fit for you.

One of the toughest parts of transitioning from being a full-time student to a working professional is the lack of framework. All of a sudden, there are no tests, no grades, no clearly defined projects with a beginning, middle, and end. Success is harder to define, and while the sky's the limit, the goal posts can seem to toward the horizon with every step you take. The good news? While your working hours belong to the company, your career belongs only to you.

When you're new to a field, or even just working in a new position, there's a lot to learn. It's useful to have someone to help you understand the ins and outs of the work. And, it's important to be able to get your questions answered when they pop up. A lot of people feel that there are tremendous benefits to participating in a formal mentor/mentee relationship in order to address these needs. However, there might be another way – or even a better way – to meet the same goals. Here are some reasons you might NOT need a mentor.

After years of training and education, you've finally landed a great position in your field. But no matter how much preparation you've done, a mentor could help your career, and assist you personally, in profound ways.

Finding a college professor to mentor you may not be easy, unless you’re a white male or at least appear to be one by name alone. In a recent study of more than 6,500 professors at the top 250 schools, researchers found that professors were more likely to deny opportunities to women and minorities -- a bias that appears after only knowing a student's name. This is especially evident in faculty linked to more lucrative professions.

According to a study in 2010 by the Center for Talent Innovation (FKA the Center for Work-Life Policy), nearly two-thirds of men in senior positions and half of junior female employees, were nervous about and avoided one-on-one contact with each other out of fear of being accused of some sort of sexual interest or affair. Is it true that we have turned into a society that cannot work together because of the fear that someone will be accused of making a move on their co-workers?